Tara Kirton

Tara Kirton

Doctoral Lecturer, Curriculum and Teaching, Early Childhood Education

Tara.Kirton@Hunter.cuny.edu
212-650-3132
W1104
By appointment on Mondays 3:30 to 4:30 pm or Wednesdays 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Schedule Meeting
Background

Tara Kirton has held various positions in early childhood education over the past twenty years. Tara began her teaching career at a private nursery school in Manhattan where she taught 3s, 4s, and 5s. While working as a preschool teacher Tara developed a strong interest in supporting children with disabilities. Dr. Kirton became a special education itinerant teacher (SEIT) providing support for young children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) after several years in the classroom. As a SEIT Tara advocated for young children with disabilities to have access to joyful learning experiences every day and to be fully integrated into their classroom environment. Tara has partnered with parents and caregivers to support them as they navigate the IEP process and advocate for their children. Her partnership and collaboration have also extended to school administrators, teachers, and therapists working with children with disabilities to consider different approaches to support learning and development. Tara has taught courses and supervised student teachers in early childhood education and special education at Bank Street College and Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Kirton has also worked as a curriculum writer and early childhood consultant facilitating workshops to help teachers and administrators center and affirm racial and cultural identity in their work with young children. Tara completed her doctoral studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her dissertation examined the experiences of young Black children and their families in early childhood programs across New York City.

Education
  • Ed.D. Curriculum & Teaching, Early Childhood Education, Columbia University
  • M.S.Ed. Early Childhood Special and General Education, Bank Street College
  • M.A. Public Communications, Fordham University
  • B.A. English, State University of New York at Albany
Teaching
  • Supervised Practicum in Early Childhood
  • Early Childhood Curriculum
Research
  • early childhood education
  • education policy
  • disability studies
  • culturally responsive pedagogy
  • racial literacy development
  • critical childhoods
  • teacher education
  • qualitative methods
Publications